Get in while getting’s good

Experienced real estate brokers around Los Angeles County were asked for their predictions on what communities they expect to experience rising home values. Among those they chose:

Elysian Heights: In this neighborhood near Echo Park and Dodger Stadium, California bungalows with views and character range from $200,000 to the mid-$300,000s.

Mt. Washington: This area offers the country feel of Laurel Canyon for half the price. A typical home is less than $500,000.

Pickfair Village: Prices here have risen substantially in the last couple of years. Continued growth is expected as more prospective buyers view it as a safe area. The Los Angeles community occupies the area running from about Pico Boulevard to Venice Boulevard and from Fairfax Avenue to Hauser Boulevard.

South Torrance/Hollywood Riviera: In the part of Torrance near the ocean, older houses are being rebuilt, increasing values in this quiet community. Tear-downs with beach views are available for about $500,000.

West Hills: While most of this area feeds into the Los Angeles Unified School District, small isolated sections of this San Fernando Valley town are in the high-scoring Las Virgenes School District. For the best values, look at Corie Lane, where houses are in the mid-$400,000s; the Kittridge area beyond Knapp Ranch Park; and the Castle Peak homes off Vanowen Street where homes range from the high $500,000s to the low $600,000s.

West Long Beach: This neighborhood west of the 710 Freeway has starter homes in good condition for less than $200,000.

West Simi Valley: Homes are still available in the mid-$400,000s, and a commercial center planned for the area may indicate that it is on an upswing.

West Van Nuys: Homes of more than 2,000 square feet in this section of Van Nuys adjacent to Sherman Oaks sell for between $300,000 and $400,000, far less than their Sherman Oaks counterparts.

-- Wendy Jaffe

Sources: Michelle Lavin Cohan, Re/Max Grand Central; Joe Diab, Prudential California Realty, Estate Properties; Hal Cutler, Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage; Harvey Mark, Prudential California Realty; Mauricio Umansky, Hilton & Hyland; Chuck Costigan, Amerifund Lending Group; Jack McSweeney, Remax Palos Verdes; Christine Taylor, Coldwell Banker, Brentwood; Kim Horowitz, Dilbeck GMAC Realtors; Jim Pascucci, Re/Max on the Boulevard; Rosemary Low, DBL Realtors; Betty Hopper, Ramsey-Shilling Associates, Toluca Lake. Photo resources: Linda Barnes, Coldwell Banker, Burbank; Kevin Godley; Re/Max Olson & Associates Inc.